[We are still raising fund for the completion of the project. Interested donors can contact us at suman@explorehimalaya.com]

Mr. Marcus Brown laying the Foundation Stone at the building site

The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Pabitra Samaaj Sewa building was held on 30 January 2018 at Budhanilkantha. The foundation stone was laid by respected Marcus Brown from Adelaide amidst the presence of Dikchhya Chapagain, President of Pabitra Samaaj Sewa and the Representatives of Explore Himalaya and Himalayan Pre-Fab. The pre-fab building will provide a permanent earthquake resistant shelter to 15-20 residents under the care of the organization.

Preparing for Puja before laying the Foundation Stone

The building project was jointly initiated by Explore Himalaya and Himalayan Pre-Fab, a subsidiary of Explore Himalaya; after the residents of Pabitra Samaaj Sewa were forcibly evacuated from their previous resident at Dhapasi. As it was not possible to complete this project without the collective efforts, Explore Himalaya and Himalaya Pre-Fab started the initiation by contributing half of the fund and appealed for the rest from the generous contributors. Mr. Brown, who honored the ceremony, was among the few to extend the hand of support by raising funds from Adelaide community. The project has given hopes and happiness to all the destitute sheltering in the organization. The building is expected to complete within 6 weeks. For the full story on the building project, please follow our earlier blog at https://www.explorehimalaya.com/2018/01/05/pabitra-samaj-sewa-charity-project/

Mr. Marcus Brown writing on visitors’ book

[In addition to being a trailblazer in Himalayan adventure, Explore Himalaya is also one of the forerunners in Nepali tourism to incorporate community service in company’s regular activities.]

[Kipling India Travels (KI) is a subsidiary of Explore Himalaya (EH). KI specializes in operating unique tours with class and comfort throughout India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Some of the special tours being operated regularly by KI are culinary tours, Snow Leopard Tour, Birding Tour etc. In this series, we are writing about these tours to share the unique experiences had by KI clients to EH travelers so that our travelers will know, consider, or maybe plan for the next holiday. PHOTO CREDIT: Prakash Subba, Sr. Manager Operations and Business Development, Kipling India]

Travelling, to many, is scrambling over rocky faces, lolling in endless beaches or getting lost in the labyrinth of ancient civilizations. However, to some, it’s knowing the secret of culture by indulging in its food heritage. Kipling India with its tantalizing trip “Culinary & Cultural Tour” is catching this spirit of gastronomes for whom food is a serious business. This unique tour that combines the culinary virtuosity of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Lucknow; embarks upon a journey of authentic Indian food culture where one can discover an energetic mélange of culture, aroma and flavors.

At Lucknow!

In October 2015, Kipling India had its “all-lady” group of six members from the US and Canada. As it was the first time ever for both Kipling India and the visitors, the excitement was at par for both. The trip was a mix of culture, history and spiritual beauty while indulging the palate with exotic food and drink where the bustling populous land and its vibrancy reveal the true essence of a culturally rich country. This unique trip began in Delhi, where the members prowled the alleys in bazaar in search of tantalizing street food, luncheoned at a traditional Haweli, and explored the old city in rickshaw before heading to the magical city of Jaipur, where the adventurous food walk was accompanied by the heritage tour of Amber Fort. After the trip, they headed to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, the wondrous architectural masterpiece and finally the whole tour culminated at Lucknow to experience the best of Awadhi cuisine before finally heading to Delhi. Since the tour is blend of cultural simplicity and culinary sophistication, no wonder, it is one of the best trips Kipling Travel has ever operated.

Rogan Gosh, a signature dish of non-veg Indian cuisine

Outline Program:

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi.

Day 02 : Tour of the city with cooking class.

Day 03 : Food walk of Old Delhi.

Day 04 : Drive to Jaipur (280 kms/06 hrs). Evening food walk.

Day 05 : Tour of the city with cooking class.

Day 06 : Drive to Agra (250 kms/05 hrs) via FatepurSikri.

Day 07 : Visit Taj Mahal and Fort. Evening food walk.

Day 08 : Express train to Lucknow (05 hrs). Dinner of Awadhi cuisine.

Day 09 : Tour of the city with Culinary walk in the evening.

Day 10 :Tour of the city with cooking class.

Day 11 : Fly Delhi. Evening farewell dinner.

Day 12 : Depart Delhi for home.

Kala Jamun and Gujiya: Indian Palate is incomplete without Sweet Delicacies

Detailed Activities:

25 Oct: Upon their arrival in Delhi, they were greeted with warm welcome and then transferred to their hotel. At hotel the briefing session added real fuel to their excitement.

26 Oct: If you think today is the day of ruins, forts and statues, you’d be wrong! The tour started with food walk of Old Delhi, where the guests experienced heritage and bazaar walk, cycle rickshaw ride with some street food tasting followed by local home visit with traditional lunch in a Haveli (Old private mansion). Delhi is a city of fascinating contrasts where the old and new, cultural and contemporary, rural and urban, all blend harmoniously. Food walks in Old Delhi can be best enjoyed in its original setting, in noisy labyrinthine by lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk. The dishes on can savor in Old Delhi are large, thick and juicy jalabis, Aloo Chaat (Crisp fried potato) dunked in a mélange of chutneys; varieties of stuffed paranthas (potato, onion, cottage cheese, cauliflower etc). For desserts one can try out the creamy, delicious phirni and Kulfi. Followed by city tour of New Delhi, the guests really enjoyed the visit to Sikh Temple (Bangla Sahab Gurudwara) to witness the Community kitchen and try their hands on making rotis (Chapatis).

A medley of mouth freshner

Kulfi, a popular Indian ice-cream

27/28 Oct: After Delhi they departed to Jaipur, the Pink City and the Capital of Rajasthan, the city which has always fascinated visitors with its vibrant people, magnificent forts and food. They spent two days in this magical city to experience the magnificent Amber Fort and amazing food walk. The walk gave them a fantastic experience of street food, colorful shops and plenty of photo opportunities. Compared to Delhi, Food walk in Jaipur is different for its much organized lanes and colorful shops. They visited LMB (Laxmi Mistan Bhandar) sweet shop, one of the oldest restaurants established in 1949. It is famous for its delicious snacks like Paneer Ghewar, Doodh Feeni, Rasmalai etc to name a few.

Tandoori Kabab, one of the most loved chicken dishes in India

29 Oct: Today is the day when the guests had the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum that defines architectural grandeur and immortalized love. They left just before sunrise to be the first in line to visit the Taj Mahal in the cool morning and in the best light. The best part at this time in the morning is there are so few tourists you practically have the Taj to yourself- No crowds to fight through and plenty of opportunities to take photos in the most dramatic lighting. The Taj experience was an incredibly moving experience to them. In the evening they proceeded for food walk in the busy non-touristy market where they indulged in some of Agra’s best local food and sweets including Petha, Kababs and Kulfi (Indian Ice cream).

Indian Dessert, a fusion of simplicity and sophistication!

30 Oct: They boarded the Shatabdi train early in the morning for a six hour comfortable ride to Lucknow, the city of the Nawabs which is famous all over the world for its Tehzeeb, “the graceful etiquette”. It can very well termed as a city that has carved a niche by attracting gastronomes for the want of discovering and re – discovering the Awadhi Cuisine. Lucknow has a colony of chefs called “Bawarchi Tola”. In the evening guests were treated with Awadhi dinner. They had experienced the concept of food loyalty and the real taste of the original Tundey Kebabs, Raheem’s Nihari and Mobeen’s Pasanda Kebabs. Besides food tasting tours, they had an Awadhi cooking session with an expert at the place of a local host to give them a first-hand experience on the use of spices and method of making an authentic Indian Cuisine. The cooking workshop was followed by an orientation session.

Learning by Doing

After Cooking Session

Food tasting at Lucknow

31 Oct: On the last day we flew back to Delhi and in the evening we concluded our tour with an amazing farewell dinner at Indian Accent, the restaurant popular for showcasing inventive Indian cuisine by complementing the flavors and traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques. Indian Accent is the only award winning Indian restaurant to be featured in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017.

01 Nov: As it is said every good thing must come to an end, the concluding day of this eventful tour also came close. The guests bade final goodbye with lots of memories to cherish forever.

Farewell Dinner at Indian Accent

This tour made a simple traveler a sophisticated foodie who explored the culinary maze with closed eyes and let their taste buds do the rest! Kipling India’s Culinary tours stood out as it operated in small group rather than a bus full of strangers, with a local host that made them feel quite at home. The whole experience allowed them to be connected with trendy neighborhoods with smart cafés, bars, restaurants and interesting shops and boutiques. They also used the metro and auto rickshaws to zoom around these places with ease – just like a local. In the meantime, however, they didn’t miss the opportunity to focus major sites but in a whole interesting way. To sum up, the members had the experience of lifetime that feasts both their soul and palate! If you are also interested in experimenting your taste buds and being a member of the gastronome community in some of the finest cultural cities, the trip is the made for you!

[Kipling India Travels (KI) is a subsidiary of Explore Himalaya (EH). KI specializes in operating unique tours with class and comfort throughout India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Some of the special tours being operated regularly by KI are culinary tours, Snow Leopard Tour, Birding Tour etc. In this series, we are writing about these tours to share the unique experiences had by KI clients to EH travelers so that our travelers will know, consider, or maybe plan for the next holiday. ]

Precarious climbs and steep falls, bone chilling cold and heart-warming sights, simple trails and meaningful journeys, all embracing mountains and a mythic-like rarity! These are the images that come to mind when we think about snow leopard. To many, it’s still a fantasy to behold the Himalayan gem right in front of the eyes. However, Kipling India’s incredible expedition “The Himalayan Grey Ghost” makes it possible; and let you live through all these and even more.

The Snow Leopard tour that takes you on a journey of Matthiessenian experience to one of the most impressive lands on Earth allows one to have an epic experience of both adventure and enlightenment. However, nothing is promised about such an enigmatic cat who is a master at camouflaging but it is always believed that if you give to nature, nature will give back to you! All you need is a lot of patience and a bit of faith!

On 04 Feb 2017, Kipling India had a group of 5 enthusiasts from USA to embark on this extraordinary journey of spotting Snow Leopard. Starting from Leh, which was once the glorious capital of Himalayan Kingdom Ladakh, the team journeyed through one of the harshest terrains to station at Rumbak, the Snow Leopard capital of the world. After surviving in the thin cold air in the wilderness for about a week, the team’s ultimate test of patience and perseverance was paid off. Though that was the only time they spotted this enigmatic masterpiece, they have truly become one among the few lucky travelers who could have otherwise felt themselves fortunate just to see the mountains.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Delhi Arrival

Day 02: Delhi / Leh

Day 03: Sightseeing at Leh

Day 04: Leh – Zinchen – Rumbak

Day 05-13: Rumbak

Day 14: Rumbak – Zinchen – Leh

Day 15: Leh/Delhi

Day 16: Departure from Delhi

Detailed Activities:

04 Feb 2017: All the group members arrived at Delhi International airport for the most awaited journey. It was then followed by meeting and greeting, and checking in hotel- something usual prior to any trip. However, there was a lot of anticipation and excitement- something that made even the arrival day extraordinary.

05 Feb 2017: An early morning flight from Delhi took the members to Leh airport, from where they were picked by Kipling representatives to hotel. The flight of about 1 and 15 mins was not less than an adventure in itself. The fleeting landscape, the dramatic altitudes and the abrupt switch from the humidity of Delhi to bewitching cold desert of Leh was like showcasing the whims of nature. Leh is a small town with compact red mud brick houses and narrow lanes. With its Ladhaki architecture, Buddhist life style and unmistakable mod cons of a touristic centre, it’s not that difficult to fall in love with this place. The members rested the whole day for acclimatization.

A local at Leh Bazaar

06 Feb 2017: The day started with touring activities from early morning. The members observed prayers at monastery and explored the former Palace of the King of Ladakh, the architectural icon of Leh. Built in the 17th century after the model of Potala Palace in Lhasa, and now undergoing restoration, the Palace stands sentinel overlooking the town of Leh. The visit was followed by a drive to Hemis monastery situated 45 km from Leh. The monastery belongs to Dugpa Kargyutpa order or Red Sect of Buddhism and is enriched with a large number of Thangkas or paintings, which are exhibited during Hemis festival, one of the famous festivals in Ladakh.

07 Feb 2017: After spending two magical days in Leh city, the time had finally come to leave the civilization behind, and set off for the true adventure. They drove for an hour to Zinchen, which is the entrance of Hemis National Park. The Hemis High Altitude National Park extends over 4400 sq kms and is widely known for some rare species like snow leopard and bharal (Blue Sheep). It has the highest density of Snow Leopards of all protected areas in the world. The Park is home to six villages Rumbak, Kaya, Sku, Shingo, Urutse and Chilling that inhabit about 1,600 people.

From Zinchen, they had to cover the rest of the journey on foot. They were accompanied by a pony man and his 6 mules loaded with gears and camping equipments to carry to the camp at Rumbak, their stopover for the whole Snow Leopard session. Rumbak (4050m) a small village of 10 – 12 households clustered together, is set amidst rolling mountains and green valley in Hemis National Park. Often referred to as the Snow Leopard capital of the world, it is the most distinguished spot in the world for Snow Leopard sightings in the winter from Mid December till Mid March. However, the place is equally rewarding for spotting other wildlife native to the place like Urials, Blue Sheep, Wolves etc.

08 – 16 Feb 2018: The group spent the next 10 days with their guide Gyalson and Gurmet both with hands-on experience of multiple hikes in the ridges in search of Snow Leopard. They were expert in tracking the minutest evidences like pugmarks, scrapes and scats in the harsh terrain. The area around the Rumbak catchment is one of the best places in the world to see these mythical cats.

Every morning, in this sparsely vegetated alpine zone, was like a ritual. It used to start in quietude and humility- watching the silent sunrise, the enormity of the mountains around and being aware about one’s existence in the vastness of the wild. Not something we can appreciate every day! Stepping out of a tent into the valley erased the concerns of lack of shower or running water.

A regular day at camp

Over the next several days the daily routine didn’t really change as the guides were scouting for Snow Leopard signs and possible sightings from first ray until last light. In the meantime, they also visited the junction of Husing Nala and Tarbung Nala including the high ridge lines. Each day after breakfast group members hiked up the main Lato Nala vantage point at Rumbak Sumdo and spent the day scanning Kharlung Valley and the adjoining areas. It became very apparent from the moment when group members entered this beautiful yet hostile terrain that it would be very difficult to see a Snow Leopard.

A Himalayan Wild Goat

The guides spent the whole time just watching for clues and signs through telescopes. While group members were looking for the Snow Leopard, group members had many opportunities to observe and photograph other mammals that inhabit these mountains. The Bharal or Blue Sheep is the most common, and the group members also spotted Wolly Hare, alpine birds and tracks of Red Foxes during daily hikes.

An awaiting camera ready for the magical moment!

THE MAGICAL DAY!!!

The Big Day finally arrived! The group members were having breakfast when they heard some commotion outside the dining tent. Naturally they got up and went outside when the guides gave them the news they had been longing to hear for last few days. Yes, there had been a sighting of a Snow Leopard on the mountain overlooking their camp. Everyone then made a scramble to their own tents to get their camera gear and get properly dressed. Those few moments of nerve wrecking excitement yet the necessity to remain calm, was later on described as a blur memory by the members.

Can anyone spot Him?

Once they reached the spot, the guides helped them to set up cameras to locate the Snow Leopard high up on the mountain ridge but made sure to be carefully hidden and out of sight. The members just lay down in the morning sun without a care in the world, and started feasting their eyes, and most probably their soul too. Nature finally opened up and gave them what they asked for!

Over the next few days all walked and trekked over frozen rivers and steep valleys and ridges once more to the places the guides knew and had seen Snow Leopards in the past. Each day returning to the little “Home” nestled between the mountain ranges of the Indian Himalayas, was a different person than the one who left it in the morning. As said before, days without the spot was also not wasted, they got to traverse through some of the most stunning landscapes on planet, with occasional sightings of soaring eagles and vultures. Blue Sheep appearing from the shadows, watching humans, then carrying on with their lives, all in full view was just next to magical.

The Home of Snow Leopard as misty as Him

Amongst the fit of adventure also, everyone was well aware about the necessity of being healthy in such extreme condition. It was taken care beyond appreciation by Lobzang, the chef and helpers Stanzin and Rigzen by making it possible to make fresh, warm and tasty food in such next-to- impossible place. They also made sure that the group members get their food on time, whether in camp or in distant spots. On one of the days where group members walked up to a vantage point or pass, they visited a homestay high up around 4500m above sea level. It was run by one of the guides Gurmet’s sister and her family. Though it was a bit of tough walk to get there as the oxygen seemed to be disappearing, the members were mesmerized by the warm hospitality and the wonderful decor of the rooms and kitchen.

17 Feb 2017: On last day in Hemis Natinoal Park before heading back to Leh, the members packed up and the whole team took down all the tents and loaded everything onto the mules and donkeys for the walk to pick-up point which would take around an hour. The heavy-hearted members bade the last farewell to the mountains which was their home for last ten days. Once again the place was empty but it treasured some unforgettable moments of some curious hearted people from distant land who dared to take up the journey to this end, just to behold the exceptional gift of nature.

So, finally everything came to an end! But it was like a new beginning to the members. They returned back to the hustle and bustle, to the madding crowd – but this time with memories to last the lifetime!

If you also want to be an elite adventurer, a humble soul-seeker, an achiever of a rarity or a beholder of “a terrible beauty, with its uncompromising yellow eyes, wired into the depths of its unfathomable spirit, gazing out from the cover of innumerable editions” as described by Peter Matthiessen in his classic travel book “The Snow Leopard”, you are welcome to this lifetime adventure in the Himalayas. Who knows you can be the next one to be privileged!

Amsterdam, January 9, 2018.
Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure received Travelife Certified Award for its long-term efforts and front runner position regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. Explore Himalaya is among the first companies in Nepal to have reached the Travelife Certified Award. Explore Himalaya complies with more than 200 criteria, related to an operators’ office management, product range, international business partners and customer information. The Travelife standard is covering the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labor relations; and is formally recognized as in full compliance with the UN supported Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

Mr Naut Kusters, Manager of Travelife for tour operators said, “I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operators sector is obtaining momentum. The award of the front runner Explore Himalaya will inspire other companies in Nepal to follow the same path”. Travelife, which has been established with the support of the European Commission, is the leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector.

November 03, 2017 could be a normal day for many but for some it was the day when they lost everything. That day, the building of Pabitra Samaj Sewa at Dhapasi, Kathmandu, was evacuated forcibly by the local authorities. It had been sheltering more than 70 destitute and homeless people for last 10 years. The residents were not given chance to gather their belongings including the items of basic needs like food and clothes. All of the evacuees including elderly people, disabled and orphans were physically harassed and forced out of their shelter, and thrown right to the street from where they were rescued once. Furniture was broken and burnt, and the building was demolished by a dozer. They could do nothing than be the helpless spectators of the demolition of the house, which was once their home.

Background of the Project:

Pabitra Samaj Sewa Nepal http://www.pssnepal.org.np/, established in 2002, is a non- governmental social organization, working to ensure safe home and care to homeless, distressed, disabled and orphans. It provides shelter, food, healthcare, education, and, most importantly, love and care to the needy people. The organization is led by Dikshya Chapagain, a young and dynamic social activist, who has dedicated her life solely for the humanitarian cause. Most of the people under the care are the destitute rescued directly from streets in utterly dejected situations with very less hope of life. The rescue stories can be found at https://www.facebook.com/dikchhya.chapagai.

The organization has been having a nomadic provision for shelter since its establishment. Quite recently also, it has been sheltering in a government building given by a school at Dhapasi, Kathmandu for ten years. However, it has to move to the present makeshift shelter at Budhanilkantha because the School Management Committee, all of sudden, asked to evacuate the building. The Committee turned a complete blind eye to the organization’s request for time for emergency arrangement. On November 03, 2017, a group of people came and forcibly removed the people from the place.

Present Shelter of Pabitra Samaj Sewa at Budhanilkantha

Currently they are sheltering temporarily at a private house in Chapali, Budhanilkantha. There are altogether 72 people including 35 children, of both gender and all age group people. In their current shelter, due to lack of space, people including the sick and old, are eating and sleeping in open space and the situation is being more gruelling as winter has already started.

Present Shelter of Pabitra Samaj Sewa at Budhanilkantha

Now, the organization is building a permanent shelter with the support of some ad-hoc donations on a piece of land given by Budhanilkanta Municipality at Chandeswori. As Pabitra Samaj Sewa is run by the initiation of an individual with support from some kind-hearted people and it doesn’t have any regular form of support from any government, non-government and private organizations, the problem of rehabilitation is being more challenging. In addition to their effort to build a shelter as soon as possible, we are taking an initiative to donate an additional Pre-fabricated building that can accommodate a segment of the sheltering people comfortably with proper protection from elements of nature.

Project Building:

The building is a prefabricated house covering an area of 975 sq ft. This dormitory style building is earthquake resistant, cost and time effective, insulated, well ventilated and highly ideal for children and old age people. The building can accommodate about 15 people comfortably. The project is estimated to be completed within 6 weeks. The detail of the building is as follows:

Wall Board System: 50mm EPS Sandwich Panel – White

Roofing Board System: 0.37mm Color Corrugated Sheet

Window System: PVC Sliding Window

Door System: Metal Frame with Wall Panel-White

Steel Structure System: Light Steel Structure

False Ceiling System: 2’x2’ Plasterboard Ceiling

Opening Schedule: As indicated in the design

Project Design:

Project Site:

Budget Estimate:

Appeal for Donation:

The project aims to establish a pre-fab house for the homeless, distressed, disabled and orphan sheltered by Pabitra Samaj Sewa Nepal. This project wants to ensure that their basic need of a proper shelter is met. After they get the shelter, it is hoped that they will get a stable and safe life, which is sure to raise their quality of life in the long run. In this concern, we will contribute $8775 for Prefab Super Structure including the electrical works. And we are going to raise fund for the rest of the expense which includes Foundation plus flooring works and Sanitary works amounting to $5000. As it is not possible to complete this project without the collective efforts from generous contributors, we would really appreciate if you could help us by considering donation to this noble cause. Your help is really crucial to our efforts. Your support will provide the homeless and destitute with proper home that plays an important role in their physical and emotional well-being which finally leads them to be an asset, and not a liability, to the community.Appeal For Donation:

KNOW BEFORE YOU COME

Happy Explorers

The meeting and handling was very good and on time. We were provided lots useful tips about the Kathmandu and trek. During trek our trekking staffs were very helpful. Lodges were good with warm welcome every time. Itinerary was good and flexible and adapted to our needs.